Thousands march for S. African president’s resignation

By Hassan Isilow

PRETORIA, South Africa

Thousands of opposition supporters marched through the streets of South Africa’s capital Pretoria on Wednesday, demanding President Jacob Zuma resign following corruption allegations.

Supporters of the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party (EFF) dressed in red t-shirts and berets chanted “Zuma must go” and “Zuma must fall” as they marched through the city.

Their march was initially planned to show solidarity with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan who was due to appear in court Wednesday to answer fraud charges.

However, prosecutors dropped charges against Gordhan two days before his appearance.

"All those involved in corruption together with Zuma must go," EFF leader Julius Malema told supporters in the capital.

President Zuma is accused of being influenced by the wealthy Indian Gupta family to appoint government officials and get state contracts.

The Gupta family came under spotlight earlier this year when Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas accused it of promising him a ministerial position after Zuma fired former Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene.

Other members of Zuma’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) have also come forward and made similar allegations against the family.

The country’s anti-corruption watchdog investigated the claims and compiled a report but the president applied for a court order to stop it being made public.

However, on Wednesday a high court in Pretoria ruled that the report should be released with immediate effect.

-Corruption allegations-

Zuma’s leadership has been tainted with several allegations of corruption, including using 7.8 million rand ($509,000) for non-security upgrades to his private home during renovations funded by the state.

“I’m fed up of hearing about Zuma’s corruption that’s why I’m here today protesting,” one EFF protester told Anadolu Agency Wednesday morning.

Two other anti-government marches where also held in the city. One was organized by the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and the other by civil rights group, Save South Africa.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane told supporters Zuma was unfit to hold office and should be removed by parliament.

“South Africans are tired of a captured president and state looting under his leadership,” Sipho Pityana of the Save South Africa movement said.